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Your involvement in the therapy DBS THERAPY FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM

Medtronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson's is a long-term treatment that requires your involvement, as well as that of your healthcare team. Following the implantation of the Medtronic DBS system, you'll work closely with your team to make sure the treatment meets your specific needs.

RECOVERY

  • The length of hospitalisation for implantation of the DBS system varies, but is often just a few days for the preoperative tests and implant surgery.
  • After your surgery, your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about care at home. These instructions often include information about medications, the healing process after surgery, and when to return to your daily activities.
  • Most individuals recover quickly and experience little discomfort while healing. However, doctors advise against overexertion for several weeks after implantation.
  • Your doctor will decide when to turn on your neurostimulator. It's usually turned on after healing is complete.

HEALING

Making a full recovery from surgery is a process that can take several weeks. During the healing process, you will feel some discomfort at the incision sites on your scalp, and at the implant site(s) for the neurostimulator(s). If you notice unusual symptoms, contact your doctor.

DAILY ACTIVITIES AND EXERCISE

During your recovery, follow your doctor's instructions about activities that include bending your neck, raising your arms over your shoulders, or strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects.

Download our practical guide for more information

pdf Practical information if you have a Medtronic DBS System (.pdf) (opens new window)

A deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is a small pacemaker-like device that sends electronic signals to stimulate a precise area of the brain that controls movement.

2.1MB

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CHECK-UPS AND MONITORING

You may not experience immediate symptom relief from the treatment. In fact, it may take 12 to 18 months after the procedure to reach maximum effect. Visits to your clinic for initial programming after surgery and periodic adjustments are a routine part of DBS treatment. During these check-ups, your doctor may evaluate your comfort and range of motion in the area of the neurostimulator and extension. You may also have an X-ray to check placement of the neurostimulation system.

ADJUSTING STIMULATION LEVELS

Your clinician will program your neurostimulator to best reduce your symptoms while minimising any side effects. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to maximise the benefits of the treatment. It may take several visits to adjust the stimulation before the right settings are determined. Your clinician may also allow you to adjust therapy settings on your own using the DBS patient programmer.

Digital diary

The PerceptTM PC and RC neurostimulators are used with an intuitive patient programmer that enables you to track your events, such as when you took medication. It can eliminate the need to carry a notebook or diary.

Your doctor can see the events you've been logging at your next appointment via the clinician's programmer. This information may help your doctor deliver treatment that's as unique as you.

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Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional. Please note that the intended use of a product may vary depending on geographical approvals. Medtronic products placed on European markets bear the CE mark and the UKCA mark (if applicable).